writing
journeys
Writing the Natural Way, by L.L. Barkat
Some writers strategize. Some writers fret. Some writers never even get an idea
off the ground. But others compose 25 books and still have more on their minds.
Such is the case with Scot McKnight. What's his secret? He writes the natural
way. Read article.
In the Stars, by L.L. Barkat
Check out this interview with
Edward Gilbreath, Editor of Today's Christian, to discover how one writing
traveler made his way into the editorial universe. Also, catch his advice on how
you can reach for the writing stars.
Chocolate, Anyone? by L.L. Barkat
Writing comes in many flavors. Some people blog. Others encourage family and
friends with letters. Some publish in magazines. And, then there are those
mysterious editors, who seem to write inside other people's writing.
See how one person came to taste-test (and swallow) a colorful career as an editor. Check out Moody editor Andy McGuire's story, in this special interview.
getting published |
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Inspiring Work,
by L.L. Barkat
If you like to write about practical subjects, especially about the nature and
value of work, then
TheHighCalling.org
may be the place for you. How does a writer break into
HC
, and get an invitation to stay? Here's advice from one
HC
editor,
Mark Goodyear
. Read article.
The New Yorker, Therapy, and Vincent VanGogh,
by L.L. Barkat
What have Dead-Sea fishing, a fairy god-person, and Howard Stern's hairstyle got
to do with getting published? Find out in this interview with
Tonya Stoneman
, Editor
In Touch
magazine. Read article.
Play the Market: Win the Publishing Game, by L.L. Barkat
Fresh
advice on how to succeed in the publishing business, including new tips from
Shannon Hill
, Editor
Waterbrook Press/Random House
. Read article.
Spy Moves, by L.L. Barkat
Are visions of a sugar plum book deal dancing in your head? Learn how to make
your dreams come true. Check out these classified publishing secrets from
insider
Nick Harrison
, Senior Editor
Harvest House Publishers
. Read article.
business savvy |
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To Market, to Market, Jigetty Jig, by L.L. Barkat.
You've got a book deal. You're on cloud nine. But so are a million other authors
who are ready to take the market by storm. How do you negotiate the next step in
the process... get your book recognized by a substantial audience? Your
publisher will surely do its part in the marketing jig, but you may have to put
on your dancing shoes too.
Get advice from Simon & Schuster Manager of Merchandising and Promotions, Amy Barkat, on how to promote your book. (And, yes, I found this advisor at a family gathering. Pretty cool, because I had no idea she worked at S & S as an MMP.) Read article.
Riess, Winner, Crouch & Crosby Just Say "No"—mostly, by L.L. Barkat.
Can anyone survive as a freelance writer? It may depend on our definition of
survival.
Check out the surprising opinions of Jana Riess (
Publisher's Weekly
), Lauren Winner (
Girl Meets God
), Andy Crouch (
Christianity Today
), and Cindy Crosby (
By Willoway Brook
), as presented in a panel at the Calvin Festival of Faith and Writing. Read
article.
query letter |
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Check
out this query letter by Kay
Marshall Strom. Kay is author of over 30 books, as well as many articles.
Her latest book, Daughters of Hope, is an astonishing portrait of women around
the world who love Christ despite devastating persecution. It's also a call for
American Christians to love their global sisters through action and prayer.
Specifics are suggested throughout the book.
In Kay's query letter, which resulted in a published article, note these critical components:
-
Date
- Publisher's Address
- Greeting
-
Hook
An opening attention-grabber, this can be taken right out of your article. (Don't mention to the publisher that you've already written the piece.) Make it high-interest. -
Transition
Move from hook to general statement that sums up the tension in your piece. For example, the tension in Kay's piece is care for oneself versus care for the ailing spouse. This is the place to highlight the universal experience readers may relate to. -
Details
Tell how you'll deal with the universal. What main points will you make? Give a title, word count, and any available sidebar titles. -
Final Sell
Why might your article meet reader's needs? How do you know? Tell about it here, and give any special qualifications you have that show you're the person to write this article. -
Thank You
End with a polite statement of thanks and expectancy. - The Closing
- Your name
- Your email address
book proposal |
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I landed my first book contract using these two resources...
Randy
Ingermanson's O2 book proposal led to the fiction book Oxygen. Check out how
Randy organized his proposal, and get help for your own. See
proposal.
| Note: This proposal is in PDF format. |  |
Get Adobe Acrobat Reader |
